On Dec 23rd, deputies received a call about dogs fighting at a home on Sweetmore Drive in Ayden.
When deputies arrived they found 10 pit bulls with heavy chains around their necks, no water, and inadequate shelter.
"They did come in kind of in unsanitary conditions with feces on the lower legs. Apparently some of the pens were pretty thick with feces. They had heavy chains with collars on. Some were so tight we had to cut them off to remove them," said Pitt County Animal Shelter Director Michele Whaley.
As a result of the investigation deputies filed charges and had animal control remove the dogs.
Whaley says, with the owner's consent, one of the dogs had to be euthanized for medical reasons. Deputies authorized another dog to be taken in by a family.
As of Friday, eight of the seized dogs were being housed at the shelter.
Whaley says because there are pending charges, they are not allowed to adopt the dogs out without authorization from the court.
"I cannot allow my volunteers to interact with them, so they do get the enrichment that they really need I can't let them go outside, like the other animals,” said Whaley.
9 On Your Side spoke to several people who live along Sweetmore Drive who are glad deputies stepped in to help the dogs.
"Everyday I drive in from work [and] I see that they are tied up and in makeshift dog houses," said resident Jonathan Clayborne, “I always wanted something done with the dogs being chained like they were with no freedom.”
Malcolm Wiggins faces nine counts of misdemeanor animal cruelty.
Wiggins is out on a $5,000 bond.
His next court appearance is scheduled for Feb 3rd.
(WNCT - Jan 2, 2015)
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